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If he's a huge person, wants more backseat legroom, let him have it. The Murano is spec'ed at 36.1" vs the Tribeca's 34.3" inches for an additional 1.8" of rear leg room.
What about leap years? Would the extra day go to Tribeca or Murano?
:P
No, that's the day we fire up the Wrangler. :P
tidester, host
My point is that his family is not exactly typical. Not everyone needs room for Shaq and Yao Ming in the back seat.
I just feel like he's fixated on one single characteristic of the vehicle - leg room. Size matters TO HIM. The rest of us, 99% of the population, have plenty of room in the other vehicles listed in this topic, and don't need that extra 1.8". The extra room is overkill and doesn't matter at all.
It's like the Aztek owner that fixates on the camping kit that connects to the back of that SUV. Sure it's cool, but how often do you really go camping? How many owners would actually use that feature?
Pic for fun and to lighten up the mood:
-juice
Nonsense. "Take two cars." Why not four Corvettes? Or five Harleys? Are you always so irrational?
Space is comfort. It's nice to cross your legs on a long trip. It's nice not having cheap plastic-painted-to-look-like-metal rubbing your knees. It's nice not having your knees pressed against the dash or back of the front seat.
I've said all along: If you need a third seat for children, buy something else--like a Pilot, not an overpriced, slow-selling, low-resale-value Tribeca. For those who aren't going to cart around a family of kids, the third seat is useless, and it eats up space that would otherwise add considerably to comfort in the first two rows. Are you truly incapable of understanding something so simple?
Here's a quote from the Edmunds road test: "Although visually striking, its interior design does have a few usability shortcomings, starting with rear-seat room. The third row is nearly useless for people with two legs and a head, which we kind of expected, but the short legroom of the second row was disappointing. It seems the second row was shoved a few inches forward to make room for the basically useless third row just so the marketing guys can say the truck can seat seven. And it can, but only for a few minutes, then those riding in the third row begin to choke on their kneecaps."
And from an Edmunds Second Opinion: "And while I would expect no more than provisional accommodations in the third row, I would have hoped for more legroom in the second row."
Of course I was smart enough to figure out the release knob that moves the seat back an extra 4". Many reviewers were not, in fact you could see in some photos that the 2nd row was not backed up all the way to the 3rd row, i.e. you saw a 4" gap there.
You make it sound like the Murano has an extra foot of space, while someone just mentioned it was less than 2 inches difference.
New 07 Tribecas start at about $27k. I'm in contact with a dealer who buys cars from the Manheim auctions and he searched for used 06 models for me, and selling prices started at $25.5k, and this is the wholesale price dealers pay. Resale is actually quite strong.
Lease residuals are also high. These are facts, not opinions. You have a source for your claims?
For those who aren't going to cart around a family of kids
Why would you be shopping in this segment if you're not a family with kids? :confuse:
I understand what you're saying about the 3rd row making the 2nd row smaller than it could be, I just do not agree with you. Not everyone is as tall as Shaq.
For those of us smart enough to move the 2nd row back the extra 4", the 2nd row seat has more leg room than a Pathfinder or an XL7, or even a Toyota FJ, which lacks a 3rd row.
If rear leg room was all that mattered, you could have gotten an extra 4" in a Vue or Equinox, and 3.3" more in a CR-V.
If you're interested in protecting those passengers, I'd suggest writing Nissan to redesign those headrests, which offer only Marginal protection from whiplash:
http://www.iihs.org/ratings/summary.aspx?class=55
-juice
Enjoy the choice you made with the Murano. It's a cool vehicle and I'm glad it meets your needs. However- you're 1. Not being very polite, and 2. Not correct on a number of your points.
People read these posts by we so called enthusiasts in hopes of helping them make purchase decisions. The Tribeca 3rd row folds flat into the floor and doesn't use any additional vehicle space. The resale on the Tribeca is excellent and it has a 4-star rating by ALG, versus a 3-star for the Pilot (which, by many's opinion doesn't drive nearly as well and has dated, boxy styling) and Murano.
https://www.alg.com/deprratings.aspx
The Edmunds report was written by someone who apparently was your height and didn't find the release lever. Yes- the Tribeca is really a 5+2. The Pilot is bigger. We can understand that bigger is better for you, but with nobody in my family over 5'10"- it's perfect, and not "useless". I'd rather have the Tribeca's 35' turning radius!
Touche!
-juice
I want one, though, and my loaner had the moonroof and it wasn't an issue for us. I'm about 6'.
-juice
Here's the Edmunds blog:
http://blogs.edmunds.com/Straightline/2276
I'm a bit disappointed. It didn't grow as much as it should have. There's still too much overlap with the RAV4. This looks more like a face-lift, rather than a ground-up new model.
The interior is much nicer up front, but the 3rd row not split folding is a major miscue by Toyota, what were they thinking? :mad:
Missed opportunity, I think. If I buy a Toyota it'll be a Sienna, which is IMHO a much better sorted package than this new Highlander.
-juice
I own a Subaru tribeca so I can't be too critical of exterior styling....but this new Highlander is basically as bland and reserved as it can be...kinda typical of Toyota. It looks a little like a Forester from the front, like a Hyundai From the side with that slight upcurve from the rear doors back. Also, I gotta say, the interior dash looks a little like a Tribeca with the subtle swoop down in the middle.
I do like the second row how they did captains chairs with the option of adding a middle passenger....I think that would be more comfortable for rear seat passengers 90% of the time.
More pics here: http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-toyota-highlander/
-juice
Iam planning on buying the 7 Seater Limited in a day or two..
Test drove the vehicle twice already, but the following question pop'd in my mind (after seeing the actual specs on the space).
Iam 5'10 and tried sitting in the rear seat earlier with no problem.. But after looking at the Rear Head Room Specs on Consumer Reports, noticed that there is'nt enough head room space for the rear seats -- I do not remember noticing the space left out when i was sitting...
Anyone has any comments / findings.. on this??
If you hit that red release knob under the seat, the seat moves back another 4". In total it moves 8 inches fore and aft.
Move it all the way back, and your head is well behind the moonroof, even well behind the 9" DVD movie screen.
I'm 6' tall and my inseam is only 30", so my tallish torso fit just fine, head room was not an issue at all. It was in the 3rd row, but not the 2nd.
Subaru says the 08 model is supposed to get easier entry/exit from the 2nd and 3rd rows, so I have a feeling they are going to change or remove that knob because it seemed to puzzle every car magazine on the planet.
-juice
Like the interior of the Mauano, was wondering if it the body is going to change soon,I am not crazy about it.
On the other hand my husband didnt care for the Sabura dash
Can some one help thanks
Subaru is face-lifting the Tribeca very soon, in fact it'll be shown at the New York auto show April 6th, next month. I'd wait to see what that looks like.
Honestly, though, I doubt they'll change the interior much, as the wrap-around dash is one of the things most people like best about it.
-juice
Marieze
On the Pilot, I'd be concerned about the longevity of the transmission, though it seems Honda has licked that problems.
For the hybrid, my conern would be the batteries. They're supposed to last 10 years, but if you keep it 15 years you'll probably have to replace them at some point. Battery costs may come down by then, I guess.
I think the mere fact that you're think 10+ years down the road tells you these are good choices.
Subaru says the 08 model is supposed to get easier entry/exit from the 2nd and 3rd rows, so I have a feeling they are going to change or remove that knob because it seemed to puzzle every car magazine on the planet
Where do you get the details of the 2008 Tribeca? I test drove it (2007), and would place it higher than the Highlander or the Pilot. But I want HID headlights that Subaru doesnt offer. The Murano does, but no 3rd row. The Mazda CX-9 is noisy. All this led me to the Acura MDX, which I think is a good balance, even between BMW X5 (performance), Lexus RX350 (luxury) and Volvo XC-90 (Safety).
Long story short - does anyone know if Subaru Tribeca 2008 will offer the HID headlamps? Thanks in advance, - MS.
The Canadian model will have HIDs.
The US model probably will not, but we don't know if they'll be available as a port-installed option or a dealer accessory, because obviously they have the parts on the shelf.
The pre-production models shown at NYIAS did not have HIDs.
I like the MDX, too, but it's beyond my price range.
A couple responses:
Safety: Tribeca received the same IIHS top-pick award that the XC-90 did, receiving the top rating of "Good" in all 3 crash test categories - front, rear & side.
Performance: Tribeca out-handled the X5 3.0i (among others) in Motor Trend's slalom test. With Tribeca's new 3.6L engine for '08, which actually weighs less than the previous 3.0L, the Subaru should be very strong performance-wise, and should also get class-leading fuel economy, since Subaru is predicting gains of around 10% in gas mileage for the '08 model. Subaru also re-vamped the automatic transmission, which should further help performance.
Luxury: OK... Subaru's just not gonna beat Lexus in this category.
You can find the major details of the '08 Tribeca on Subaru's website at:
http://www.subaru.com/sub/misc/2008/autoshow/ny0311/tribeca/index.html
In the interest of full disclosure, Subaru still could improve a few things on the Tribeca:
* fuel capacity is still only 16.9 gallons
* side air bag curtains do not protect the 3rd row
Of course for those that say the 3rd row is useless that 2nd one doesn't matter.
Take a look at this comparison of Otlander to RX350:
2008 Lexus RX350 2WD V6: MSRP $37,400
Advantages over Outlander:
Horsepower, ride, sound insulation, reliability record, rain-sensing wipers, power liftgate, lumbar support, homelink, wood trim, compass, electroluminescent instrumentation, auto-dimming mirrors, better interior, illuminated vanity mirrors, headlight sensor.
2007 Mitsubishi Outlander XLS 2WD V6: MSRP $23,650
Advantages over RX350:
6 speed shiftable automatic transmission + paddle shifters, 18" tires, handling, 5/10 warranty, 5 years roadside asst., split lift gate, FastKey, keyless ignition, skid plates, third row seat w/airbags, bluetooth, odor absorbing interior, aluminum roof, LED rear lights, stereo with MP3 playback, speed sensitive volume control, roof rails, gas mileage, standard gasoline.
Some of these standard Outlander XLS features are not available on Lexus 350 even as option.
Of course, standard Outlander also comes with climate control, ABS, brake assist, skid control, traction control.
You can get loaded Outlander for only about $27.5K, which will also add:
AWD, leather interior, HID xenon lights, heated power front seats, power sun roof, premium Rokford Fosgate stereo with 10" subwoofer and 650 watt amp, DVD/navigation, 30GB mp3 music server, Sirius radio.
To me Outlander is nobrainer: overloaded with gadgets, best warranty, build in Japan, regular gasoline, V6, great handling, cool looking, best value.
picture
Just make GPS Navigation mandatory if you get HIDs so your GPS can tell you the names of streets without having to flash your brights at each intersection.
Nowadays they all come with backup cams, which are neat. :shades:
Yes, I tried the Outlander. Driving experience is good, but the 3rd row seats are hard to use - they dont even have a seat cushion! I also liked the space for entry/exit from 3rd row in the Tribeca, along with the paint, internal finish, and the dashboard layout (Some don't like the space age/video game look, but I do).
About not being able to read the road signs - I need to test drive after dark one of these days. What can I say, I happen to like the looks of those blue headlights - as important as the body color itself. The upgraded 3.6L engine would be a nice bonus, and I didn't care about the front grilles, anyways.
Thanks for all the responses.
Ummm... a dumb question for the hosts: How do I know if somebody has replied to my posts? Do I need to have some settings on Explorer? I already have it on "My Tracked Items", doesnt seem to track.
Best wishes, - MS.
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
i prefer the murano over the tribeca...but to each their own!
-thene
Subaru's been known for firm, supportive seats. So this is par for the course for Subaru.
The hump in the Tribeca is pretty minimal, I think it only bumps up an inch or so.
Cheers.
In real life it won't help much. I'd rather have awd at all speeds like the subaru or audi, or the 4wd of a 4Runner.
the Subaru has the best one of the CUVs.
The center differential can apportion up to 100% of the power either to the front or rear wheels, and the electronic traction control will keep any single wheel from spinning. As it already has 8.5 inches of ground clearance, all it needs is better tires and it's OK for light off road. I've been quite impressed with the AWD's performance off road and in the snow.
I'm also 6'5" with 36" inseam. Murano has glorious legroom in both rows of seating. Not having that vestigial third-row seat is simply wonderful unless you have three or more kids--and then you should get a minivan instead of a pseudo-minivan like Tribeca. The Murano is as comfortable space-wise as was our 1988 S-class Benz.
And it isn't an eyesore like Tribeca.
"unless you have three or more kids--and then you should get a minivan instead of a pseudo-minivan like Tribeca."
Thank you for telling us what kind of car we should buy. What would we do without you?
Only in the minds of Nissan fan boys...
If you don't want the 3rd row, fine, don't get it, but don't blame Subaru for making it an *option*.
PS C&D still has not figured out the Tribeca's rear seat, they now say the 2nd row legroom is better on the 5 seat models, it's the SAME, you just don't have to use the release lever to get that extra 4" like you do in the 5+2 model
1. AWD Lock mode witch could be engaged on fly at any speed
2. Intelligent AWD auto mode for best fuel economy
3. 2WD mode for the ultimate fuel economy, useful for instance when you running out of gas.
Mitsubishi’s AWD system is proven to be one of the best beating Audi, Subaru, Rover and everyone else last seven years in a row in the world's toughest off-road Dakar Rally.
And Mitsu hasn't done much in WRC lately.
Not to mention the AWD system used in race cars has exactly nothing in common with the one in the Outlander.
And watch this before you start claiming the EVO beats the STI:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=844C8Wnfjf8
Cliff Notes for the lazy: 2007 STI comes in first, 2008 STI comes in 2nd. EVO IX and X models come in dead last, 2nd to last, and 3rd from last.
Stacked up nice and clear just in case you were wondering which was better. :P
Well, not anymore. After a few disastrous attempts a few years ago, Subaru had to withdraw. This is a Subaru’s track records at Dakar Rally, which is very tough 3-week rally where 40% of car can not make to the finish, but even soviet-build Lada did better then Subaru:
GREATEST number of stage wins by brand (Auto category)
MITSUBISHI 149
CITROËN 59
PEUGEOT 49
RANGE ROVER 34
SCHLESSER 28
NISSAN 21
PORSCHE 21
LADA 18
VOLKSWAGEN 18
MERCEDES 17
RENAULT 8
OPEL 5
AUDI 3
BMW 4
LAND ROVER 2
MEGA 2
SEAT 2
TOYOTA 2
FIAT 1
SUBARU 1
And it’s not the point that Mitsubishi competes in Dakar and Subaru does not. The cool point is that French and German drivers picked the Mitsubishi car and won Dakar Rally on it, while they did not pick Subaru or even Audi.
.
>> Not to mention the AWD system used in race cars has exactly nothing in common with the one in the Outlander. And watch this before you start claiming the EVO beats the STI:
So you do not allow me to use another Mitsubishi car as an example, but yourself just right away make areference to another Subaru, which is not even belong to this thread? You are not very consistent! And your statement is not true: Mitsubishi does use to possible extend developed for race cars technologies in regular consumer cars.
My point about Outlander AWD system was that it is more flexible vs. Subaru AWD system. Outlander’s owner has choice of activating full time AWD system or using more fuel efficient intelligent drive system or even just 2WD. Subaru’s owner does not have this choice.
Cliff Notes for the lazy: 2007 STI comes in first, 2008 STI comes in 2nd. EVO IX and X models come in dead last, 2nd to last, and 3rd from last. Stacked up nice and clear just in case you were wondering which was better.
.
This your "battle at TSUKUBA" video is a joke. It's not an official race, it is obviously staged by Subaru marketing division. The cameras are inside and drivers are laughing. Subaru marketing division is known for this kind of videos. Another one I’ve seen recently seen where Subaru compares itself in a more favorable way in off-road ”test” to Volvo and others. The unfortunate reality is: Subaru can not compete against big boys in a real off-road race!
There are also plenty of marketing videos for Mitsubishi sa well. You wonna see some? They are very cool:
Mitsu EVO beats Ferrary Modena and BMW M3. "Stacked up nice and clear just in case you were wondering which was better"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aMhKTP1OHU&feature=related
Or Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8 MR beats Lamborghini Murcielago to the punch. This one is very cool
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBAl436N7wM&feature=related
Or Mitsubishi Evo is most fun to drive vs. Audi S4 vs. Subaru Impreza
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yzjr19F5nHE&feature=related
So forget your fake marketing videos from Youtube and check out real achievements. "Cliff Notes for the lazy":
Mitsubishi is a 12-time Dakar Champion beating 7-years in a row BMW, MB, Rover, Audi, Hammer, Tauareg, etc. And, if you wish to speak of TSUKUBA race track in terms of real achievements, be my guest: the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is the all-time TSUKUBA "Time Attack" record holder, posting a time of 53.58 seconds! Surprise? This record still is not beaten by Subaru or anyone else :--):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsukuba_Circuit
Lada also builds trucks.
This truck has nothing in common with the Outlander:
As for consistency, note that Subaru does in fact race production-based WRX models in Group N rally. This race car actually looks familiar and shares DNA with production Subarus:
That is incorrect. It was done by an independent car mag.
That’s right; Mitsubishi builds trucks, fighter jets, plasma displays and much more. Subaru does not even build a truck. And Subaru cannot afford to build more flexible and consumer friendly AWD system. And Subaru just came up this year with its first ever diesel engine! Finally? Hello! All Subaru can afford is to make fake videos and put them on youtube.
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>> Lada also builds trucks.
Excuses, excuses Yes, even Lada builds trucks. But you actually don’t always need a truck to win off-road rally. The Citroën ZX won the Dakar 3 times in nineties:
So did the Peugeot 405 T16
Subaru just could not make it.
.
>>This truck has nothing in common with the Outlander:
Actually, you're wrong. To name a few, besides looks and dimensions, the Outlander shares these technologies with that Pajero truck:
MIVEC - Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system is shared among most of Mitsubishi engines, including Outlander and Pajero.
Mitsubishi' world's first Active Yaw Control (AYC) system originally developed for a rally vehicle. The AYC transfers drive torque between the left and right drive wheels as required. The result is a dramatic improvement in cornering performance and safety. This system integrated to now fully evolved Mitsubishi active stability control (ASC) system, which generates turning force by employing braking force differentials in left and right wheels and now is incorporated into most of Mitsubishis, including the Outlander.
Another one is Mitsubishi's electronic brakeforce distribution system.
You must be kidding! Where have you seen an independent from advertising dollars/yen/euros car magazine? May be in the North Korea.
According to that fake video, the 2 Subarus came first and the 3 Lancers came distant last. What a funny joke. Lancer is the one who is holding the official all-time TSUKUBA Time Attack record.
They race a Pajero now, right?
The Outlander isn't based on the Montero/Pajero. It's actually based on the Dodge Caliber.
Seen any Calibers at Dakar?
Subaru didn't make that video, I already mentioned. It was Best Motoring.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=124262?tid=edmunds.il.ho- me.photopanel..2.*